A bill heading to the Indiana Senate could see the introduction of ‘baby boxes’ into the United States.
The boxes, which come equipped with a light, inbuilt heating and a button that can be pressed to alert authorities whenever a baby is placed within, are designed for parents who are unable to care for their child.
The boxes were made popular in Japan, where, since 2007, 101 babies have been left in the boxes to be cared for by the hospital.
This alternative method has been criticised by some, suggesting that it encourages parents to abandon their children by giving them an ‘easy way out’, before they can explore other options.
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child has campaigned recently to ban these boxes in Europe, advocating instead for family planning counselling to address the root of the problem itself.
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But similar systems have found success in European countries, such as Germany, Russia, Austria and the Czech Republic, with comparable numbers to Japan.
The issue of baby abandonment has seen the spotlight in Australia in recent months, since the news of the baby left in a drain in Quaker’s Hill broke, as well as the baby found buried in a shallow grave at a Sydney beach last year.
A baby girl was found buried at Maroubra beach last year.
Those campaigning for baby abandonment hatches in Australia, however, were left disappointed when Family and Community Services Minister Gabrielle Upton commented in December.
“The issue has been considered repeatedly, including last year, and there is insufficient evidence to support its rollout,” said Minister Upton.
Pending the passing of the bill, the United States could see the introduction of baby boxes as early as this year, with the bill’s chief supporter Casey Cox adding their implementation would see a ‘safe haven’ for “those children that are left in the woods, those children that are abandoned in dangerous places.”
The legislation, which has passed the House, will now challenge the Senate for a vote.
